My Brother Steve

Today is my older brother Steve’s birthday.

Steve made our house exciting as a kid. He was a natural entertainer and put on magic shows for the whole neighborhood. He was always pulling a quarter out of my ear or performing tricks with our rabbit, Snowy.

Humor is the cornerstone of Steve’s personality. He especially liked to make our mom laugh. Most of his jokes are off-color, so mom often hid behind a dish towel.

Steve made fun of everything, and still does. Anyone who knows him, knows this side, but also knows the friendly, caring, concerned person he has always been.

From my earliest memories, Steve played guitar. Many other great musicians would hang out at our house, music blasting from the basement.

When Steve moved into Boston, I got his basement bedroom which had the wall of Jimmy Hendrix – every poster ever made, cut out, and collaged into a tribute to Jimmy. I left the wall “as is”. My friends would come over and say, “Wow, I never knew you were such a fan.”

Later, in that same room, I would listen as Steve played Bach over and over and over again until he got the Sonata perfect.

As I got older, I used to visit Steve in his practice studio in Kenmore Square. Kevin Smith, Steve’s musician brother, would be there too. They wrote beautiful music together.

After I graduated college, I went to visit a friend who lived in England. Steve came and we ended up in Portugal with Marthabo. We had hoped to go to Morocco but never made it.

When I moved out to California, Steve visited me and really liked my dog Max. Steve is a huge animal lover.

Years ago, Steve started the Langley Music Fest down in Virginia. Musicians, who grew up playing together, come from allover for a day of music and celebration. It’s been a huge success. I went three years ago and had a great time.

I learn a lot from my older broski Steve. He’s a fantastic designer and talented Photoshop/CSS guru. He lives with his wonderful girlfriend Michelle. They are both great cooks, so I need to get my butt over to visit them and have some delicious fare.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten to mention so many other great things about my brother, but just wanted him to know I was thinking about him on his birthday. Happy Birthday Steve! Love you!